Meet the SGA: Blakely Neilson, Chair of Student Life
Posted July 26, 2012
Before they skipped out for summer vacation, we took some time to get to know the newly elected members of the 2012-13 Student Government Association (SGA). Each week, we will introduce new members and share their thoughts on all things Saint Mary's. Next up, Blakely Neilson, from Charlotte, NC, who will serve as the Chair of Student Life.
THE BASICS
Name: Blakely Neilson
Hometown: Charlotte, NC
Boarding/Day: Boarding Student
SGA Position: Chair of Student Life
What activities have you been consistently or actively involved in at SMS?
Cross Country, Track and Field, Junior Class President
YOUR SMS EXPERIENCE
What is your favorite SMS tradition?
My favorite tradition at SMS is Lighting of the Grove. I think I really like this tradition because it comes around Christmas and it is something that brings the community together.
What has been your favorite class in the last three years? Why?
My favorite class has been AP US History. Although it required countless hours of studying in the library, writing long papers and reading documents, it really expanded my love for history.
What class has been the most challenging class thus far? How did you survive?
Pre-Calculus was a struggle for me. I normally like math, but in my opinion Pre-Cal is in its own category! I went to tutorial often and met with Don McGurin (he is a life saver). I also studied for hours on end before a quiz or a test. For anyone that takes the class, my advice is to be sure to thoroughly do the homework so you don’t get behind!
Why did you come to SMS?
A few of my relatives attended SMS, so I followed in their footsteps. When I visited, I loved the close community and the fact that it was a boarding school located in a city.
What is your leadership style?
Outgoing
What are you most looking forward to as a member of SGA?
I am looking forward to planning events, keeping the traditions, and helping make next school year great!
What are you most looking forward to as a senior?
To enjoy all of the traditions for the last time as a student and senior privileges.
A LITTLE MORE ABOUT YOU
What are your favorite OTG (outside the gates) spots for:
-
Lunch
Cafe Caturra -
Shopping
Monkee's -
Fun/Other
Goodberry's Frozen Custard
What is your favorite movie – new or old?
The Blindside
What is usually in your Hulu queue?
Gossip Girl - only season one!
What song/album did you most recently purchase on iTunes?
Love on Top by Beyonce
What are you reading now (book, blog, magazine)?
Well to be honest, I don’t watch television and I’m a little out of date in the music world, but I LOVE BLOGS. My favorites are Taza and Husband, Cupcakes and Cashmere and Atlantic-Pacific!
ADVICE TO NEW STUDENTS
What advice would you give to a new incoming student?
Study, but be sure to balance that with time to have fun and do other things!
What do you wish someone had told you?
Don’t be shy, everyone is new so don’t be scared to make friends!
